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Top 10 Tips for Scouting This Season

Jun 14, 2012

Everything is showing up early in the field this season, including crop diseases, weeds and pests. Farmers need to gear up earlier than usual, too, to get on top of these agronomic challenges, says Missy Bauer, Farm Journal associate field agronomist.

Here are 10 scouting tips she recommends farmers use as they check fields. While she says the 10 tips are in no way comprehensive, using them this season is sure to add more bushels to your yield outcome at harvest.

Be proactive and timely. Know when to anticipate specific weeds, insects and diseases for your area and plan to scout accordingly.

For disease scouting, check for plants that show signs of stunting, lesions, discoloration, yellowing and senescence. Get a laboratory diagnosis if you are unsure of the correct identification of the disease.

For weed scouting, check your fields during early pre-plant and post emergence as well. Be vigilant to check fields for weed growth during the first three weeks following crop emergence to evaluate weed pressure and to determine whether you need supplemental control measures.

If you find weeds, disease or insects you do not recognize, consult your agronomist, Extension personnel or a pest-identification guide.